Wedding planner unveiled

Updated 1:01 pm, Wednesday, January 2, 2013

A bride should choose a dress that flatters her and suits her wedding style, David Tutera says.

A bride should choose a dress that flatters her and suits her wedding style, David Tutera says.

Photo: WE TV

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David Tutera created a fairy-tale fete for the dinner after the wedding of Star Jones and Al Reynolds in New York City in 2004.

David Tutera created a fairy-tale fete for the dinner after the wedding of Star Jones and Al Reynolds in New York City in 2004.

Photo: Courtesy Photo

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David Tutera is the star ow WE TV's reality show "My Fair Wedding: Unveiled."

David Tutera is the star ow WE TV's reality show "My Fair Wedding: Unveiled."

Photo: WE TV

Wedding planner unveiled

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For 26 years David Tutera, star of WE TV's reality show “My Fair Wedding: Unveiled,” has been perfecting the art of planning impressive parties and spectacular weddings. On Sunday he'll offer his expertise on both as the big draw at the San Antonio Bridal Extravaganza at the Convention Center.

From his first client at age 19 to the brides on his show, Tutera, 46, has seen major trends change the bridal industry. But, he says, “Like everything else, change is cyclical. There are periods where brides tend to go a little over the top, and there are those times when most are going do-it-yourself. The same patterns ring true for decor and bridal fashion.”

This spring, Tutera predicts a definite return to time-honored conventional weddings. “The keywords I hear most are 'traditional,' 'romantic' and 'lush,'” he says about what's trending.

As for the gown — a wedding's centerpiece — he says trends include lace, long sleeves and a color palette of springtime pastels.

Named the best celebrity wedding planner by Life & Style magazine and a top trendsetter by Modern Bride, Tutera credits his grandfather, a successful florist, for encouraging him to be creative.

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Today, Tutera is a brand name. He has written seven books on bridal and party planning. He designs a wedding dress collection for the bridal company Mon Cheri, and creates footwear, jewelry and bridal accessories sold in department stores. In March, his own collection of fabrics intended for social occasions will be available at Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft Stores for the home sewer.

His show, a mix of drama and dreams come true (not to mention tears of fear and joy), is as popular as ever. Now in its sixth season, he faces off with the occasional, as he likes to say, “cray cray” bride while guiding clueless grooms and making nice with interfering mamas.

Q: What's different about this season of “My Fair Wedding”?

A: This season it's no holds barred. We show the good moments and the bad, the raw ones and everything in between. I think viewers can really connect more to the brides — and their stories — in this way, and get to know me better, too.

Q: What are your three most important rules for a couple planning a wedding?

A: My first rule is to set the budget before you do anything else. My second big rule is for both the bride and groom to add their personalities into as many elements of the wedding as possible. The third rule is to remember what truly matters — the marriage.

Q: Let's stick with budgeting advice.

A: Sticking to a budget is really important. I advise that couples set a budget early and list their priorities. Whether it's the venue, the menu, the music or the honeymoon that matters most to them, they should focus their time and money on that piece first and then scale back as they move down the list so that it fits into their financial plan.

Q: Since it's really about the dress, what are the pitfalls when it comes to finding the dream gown?

A: When you see me on the show, I am normally putting a bride into a gown she might not have considered, or one she might not even like on the rack. With so many body types out there and so many styles, it's important for a bride not to pick a dress based on what she thinks she likes but instead based on what flatters her and suits her wedding style.

Q: What's the biggest mistake a bride can make when it comes to picking her dream dress?

A: Trying on only one style is a problem. Showing too much skin is a no-no, and picking something that's too trendy is also a decision she'll likely regret.

Q: Do you find that brides want to micromanage their bridesmaids' looks?

A: Brides are definitely more open to mixing up styles within a set palate for their girls, but for the most part they do want their bridal party to be cohesive in hair, makeup and accessories. I understand this and think it's a great look, but from an etiquette standpoint, I advise that my brides not make any requests that they are not prepared to sponsor.

Q: Is there a muse right now that brides are turning to?

A: There's no doubt that the royal wedding (Prince William and Kate Middleton) will continue to inspire and that brides look to celebrity weddings every day. I think having a reference is a great thing, but every bride should be true to who she is.

Q: What are your personal stay-sane rules for brides who, no doubt, can be very stressed about wedding planning?

A: I really try to get them to remember that while the wedding day — and all the special details that go into it are important — the focus should always be on the couple, on the union of two people, two families, two sets of hobbies and cultures, and on the rest of their lives together.”